Declan Rice Shines with Two Free-Kick Goals in Arsenal’s Impressive Victory Over Madrid
In an exhilarating Champions League quarter-final first leg, Arsenal pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice was undoubtedly the star of the show, netting two stunning free-kicks that set the stage for the entire match. After a first half that saw both teams create chances but fail to score, Rice broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a perfectly placed free-kick that went over the Madrid wall, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance to react.
It took Arsenal only twelve minutes to score again to extend their lead against Real Madrid
Mikel Merino added a third goal later in the match, solidifying Arsenal’s commanding lead and giving them a strong advantage heading into the return leg at the Bernabeu. It was a memorable night for Mikel Arteta’s squad, proving they could hold their own against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Bukayo Saka, making his first start in over three months after recovering from hamstring surgery, played a crucial role in the win by winning both free-kicks that led to Rice’s remarkable goals.
No doubt, Real Madrid has been a bigger team in the Champions League than any other team, yet Arsenal kept to their play and delivered a good result against them to keep the hopes alive
Following a frustrating first half where Arsenal dominated possession but couldn’t find the net, they came out for the second half with a newfound intensity.
The cheering Arsenal fans in the stadium gave them more hope to keep the spirit high against the reigning champions, Madrid
This victory was more than just a win; it was a bold statement.
Arteta men are so eager to win their first-ever Champions League, and the win has given them a better chance ahead of the second leg next week.
